These stories come from the real people who live with a broken health care system. Some have health insurance and some do not. Many of these stories suggest potential solutions* that lead to quality, affordable health care we can count on. One thing we all agree on is that the we cannot trust the insurance industry to fix themselves. To learn more about what Health Care for America Now stands for read our Statement of Common Purpose.
We wanted to give you a chance to speak for yourself, in your own voice, about the need for Health Care for America Now. Do you have something to say? Tell us your story.
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Christopher
Gainesville, FL
I have had Blue Cross Insurance my entire life. I retired in 2005 @ 62 after 27 years working for Shands Healthcare system at the University of Florida, where there is an employer-sponsored BC plan. I chose COBRA at retirement. It ran out in 18 months when I was 63.5 yrs old. I then had to apply for an individual policy. Humana and BC both rejected me and my wife for unacceptable "pre-existing" conditions that didn't actually exist, eg:
- rosatia (false)
- high blood sugar(1 slightly high reading
out of 15 years of normal readings)
- knee braces (false)
- permenant spinal damage (false)]
I submitted certified letters from MDs stating that the "pre-existing" conditions were false, but Humana and BC wouldn't reverse their positions. After a long fight with BC they agreed to give me an individual policy with riders that excluded coverage for my knees and back. I have had minor temporary sports injuries involving my knees and back but they have always been easily corrected. I have had no problems in either area for several years. So....I reluctantly accepted the BC police with knee and back exclusions along with BC's exceptionally high premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. When I turned 65 last February I enroled in Medicare A&B;, RxAmerica, and BC Supplemental. So far I have finally had better results.
My wife was forced by BC accpet their BC COBRA extention policy in September 2007 (extremely expensive). In July 2008 after fighting with BC for 18 months she was upgraded to an individul policy which is still extremely expensive. She won't be eligible for Medicare until December 2013.
Ever since 2005 I have been in active in the local Labor Party's efforts to gain support for HR 676.
Chris Medved
*Health Care for America Now is not responsible for the content of these stories. These stories are submitted by individuals in the online audience and have been edited in some cases. Health Care For America Now does not endorse any of the solutions or policy positions suggested in the content of these stories. Health Care for America Now is a coalition of organizations that agree to the Statement of Common Purpose.
See our coalition partner list.
Read the Statement of Common Purpose.
